I would say that it making 11 Alive major network Atlanta television news should be enough confirmation.
Wade crane killed in car wreck last night
- Thread starter robsproshop
- Start date
I would say that it making 11 Alive major network Atlanta television news should be enough confirmation.
Sad
I first met Wade in the mid 70`s. Didn`t run into him much but always considered him a friend. I`m sad that another great is gone
I first met Wade in the mid 70`s. Didn`t run into him much but always considered him a friend. I`m sad that another great is gone
Everyone in disbelief
I got texted from Cliff Joyner, Ricky Bird, Scotty Townsend, all seemed
to acknowledge we all lost a great friend yesterday. God Bless his soul.
I got texted from Cliff Joyner, Ricky Bird, Scotty Townsend, all seemed
to acknowledge we all lost a great friend yesterday. God Bless his soul.
The article is contradictory, sad to say. :frown:
It states, "Police believe Crane may have suffered a medical condition prior to the crash. No other vehicles were involved."
Underneath Wade's photograph, the article also states, "Wade Crane died Sunday from injuries sustained in a one-vehicle crash in Tennessee."
I read another article which stated his body did not have any injuries on it from the car accident, which is why the police may believe he suffered from a medical condition while driving.
There's two from a 1999 DCC, Wade Crane versus Danny DiLiberto in a one-pocket match, as well as a Wade Crane versus Grady Mathews in a one-pocket match: Accu-Stats Vintage Videos.
Sometimes players did not like to be videotaped many moons ago, and, of course, there wasn't as much videotaping in the '80s as there is today.
Lmao!! This is good stuff!
I only met Wade when he was living in Mobile a few years ago.
He was frequenting the pool hall where I shot. Joe Nelson introduced me to him and then.... "as old road pool players do"... they started swapping memories back and forth about their road experiences.
I was cracking up at some of the stories and at others I was standing with mouth wide open in suspense as Joe and Wade were reiminicing about their adventures. They had both spent a lot of time.... (not together that much).... but each of them traveling the country and each doing pretty well for himself.
I took a few one pocket lessons from Wade and at that time he was kinda in a pickle financially. I asked him why he didn't have his cue with him and he said he had to hock it. I had several cues so I gave him one of my better ones and a case....He didn't want to take it but I insisted. He said when he got on his feet he would send it back to me from N.C. where he was to be relocating in a few weeks. I gave him some cash and again he reluctantly accepted.
About 6 or 8 months later I got a call and Wade said...."George...I don't know when I'll be able to repay you the money you gave me but I would like to send your cue back if you give me your address."
I asked him if he liked the cue and he replied...Yes.
Then keep it as a gift.....I told him.....And then I told him to forget about the money and just put it toward my contribution..... thanking you for what you did for pool.
He thanked me sincerely and gave me a kindly compliment.
Yes indeed....I didn't know him that good but Wade was on classy guy.
I'm glad to have had the opportunity to make his acquaintence.
The pool world has lost one of its finest players and one of the classiest gentlemen to ever walk through the doors.
I really liked and respected the way Wade carried himself....R.I.P.
He was frequenting the pool hall where I shot. Joe Nelson introduced me to him and then.... "as old road pool players do"... they started swapping memories back and forth about their road experiences.
I was cracking up at some of the stories and at others I was standing with mouth wide open in suspense as Joe and Wade were reiminicing about their adventures. They had both spent a lot of time.... (not together that much).... but each of them traveling the country and each doing pretty well for himself.
I took a few one pocket lessons from Wade and at that time he was kinda in a pickle financially. I asked him why he didn't have his cue with him and he said he had to hock it. I had several cues so I gave him one of my better ones and a case....He didn't want to take it but I insisted. He said when he got on his feet he would send it back to me from N.C. where he was to be relocating in a few weeks. I gave him some cash and again he reluctantly accepted.
About 6 or 8 months later I got a call and Wade said...."George...I don't know when I'll be able to repay you the money you gave me but I would like to send your cue back if you give me your address."
I asked him if he liked the cue and he replied...Yes.
Then keep it as a gift.....I told him.....And then I told him to forget about the money and just put it toward my contribution..... thanking you for what you did for pool.
He thanked me sincerely and gave me a kindly compliment.
Yes indeed....I didn't know him that good but Wade was on classy guy.
I'm glad to have had the opportunity to make his acquaintence.
The pool world has lost one of its finest players and one of the classiest gentlemen to ever walk through the doors.
I really liked and respected the way Wade carried himself....R.I.P.
Last edited:
Yes Wade was a great player, seemed so cool under fire. I remember in the mid 80s when he played his big money match with Toby Sweet, as was told here in an earlier post. It was over suprisingly quick. Wade refered to him as, 'Sweet Toby'. I remember him in Melbourne, Florida with his conversion van after the big Resorts win. He and Big Steve (VoodooDaddy) had a rip snortin good time! Ha Ha
George, it's guys like you that make this the great game that it is! I've met many people like you over the years, and it has made my time in the pool world that much more enjoyable. THANKS! :thumbup:
Last edited:
Well, I am already missing "Boom Boom" Wade was a great man and a great player! He was always nice to me and was very fond of the game! He used to have a pool room up here in Asheville, NC (Back in the day), He would always give critique to kids like me that were learning the game... When No one else would even give you the time of day... Via 1983- 1988. I often saw Wade at tourneys (Derby, Gem City, etc) and he always remembered me and would say hello are you working on that shot I showed you? or, Let's see how you are hittem these days!... Great memories! etc. All the players in my area of NC are all embracing "Billy Johnson". Wade was an asset to the game and I will miss him and think of him often... He was a TRUE Beauty to the game!
My condolences are sent out to his family and I hope everyone will remain strong in a tough time. RIP WADE CRANE! No one could break and run the balls like you did! Get Some Sleep Man!!
My condolences are sent out to his family and I hope everyone will remain strong in a tough time. RIP WADE CRANE! No one could break and run the balls like you did! Get Some Sleep Man!!
To all of Wade Crane's fans and friends in lieu of flowers please send donations to help cover last expenses as he had no insurance. Send in care of Tim Eller for Wade's expenses to the www.townson-smithfuneralhome.com . May God Bless to all who gives and thanks from Boom-Boom or aka Billy Johnson and his family!!!
Please disregard leaving the money at the funeral home. Okay for everyone wondering about how to leave money for Wade Crane's expenses. Here it is. Since the body has not been released from UT yet we can't leave the money at the Townson-Smith Funeral Home. So, my mom, Kay Nuchols, is Wade's sister and her name was left in his last will and testament for the arrangements, so an account has been set up in her for her to deposit the money and use it for his expenses. So write checks or money orders to Kay Nuchols and PLEASE check on the check for Wade Crane's memorial or last expenses and send to P.O. Box 1539, Robbinsville, NC 28771. This was the most simple way to get everything done. I am sorry that it has taken so long to get this set up. Thanks to everyone.
Please disregard leaving the money at the funeral home. Okay for everyone wondering about how to leave money for Wade Crane's expenses. Here it is. Since the body has not been released from UT yet we can't leave the money at the Townson-Smith Funeral Home. So, my mom, Kay Nuchols, is Wade's sister and her name was left in his last will and testament for the arrangements, so an account has been set up in her for her to deposit the money and use it for his expenses. So write checks or money orders to Kay Nuchols and PLEASE check on the check for Wade Crane's memorial or last expenses and send to P.O. Box 1539, Robbinsville, NC 28771. This was the most simple way to get everything done. I am sorry that it has taken so long to get this set up. Thanks to everyone.
Last edited:
Thanks for letting the forum members know about the funeral arrangements.
I just learned that Wade Crane will be memorialized this year at the Derby City Classic (late January 2011) when he will be honored with the Lifetime in Action Award by the One-Pocket Hall of Fame. You can read all about it on the Main Page of the OnePocket.org website: Onepocket.org.
It would be so kind if those members who remembered Wade Crane aka Billy Johnson and Boom-Boom so fondly on this thread could find it in their hearts to make a small donation for his burial expenses. If each member who posted their thoughts were able to donate anything, i.e., 5 or 10 dollars, it just might pay for the entire expense. Though we wish we could afford to pay for the whole cost, we are going to send $100 this morning.
There is a very nice article on 11 Alive News about Wade Crane. Jerry Forsyth is quoted on there with some kind words, as well as a friend of Wade's named Jack Lindsay: Local Pool Legend Dies in Car Crash.
Here is a great photo in the article on 11 Alive News of Wade "Boom-Boom" Crane. I wish I could find the owner of that photo, so I could have it inserted in the Wikipedia page about Wade Crane. It's a great picture.
RIP, Wade Crane!
Attachments
![genthumb[1].jpg](/data/attachments/122/122920-1a8a05cccdd979d5d18dc33fb1c6dd82.jpg?hash=GooFzM3Zed)
BJ, Cornbread, and Cornflakes
(Reprinted from 1pkt.org.)
One of the greatest nights I ever had in pool was at the One Pocket Legends tournament at South Philly Billiards in the 90s. Wade Crane, aka Billy Johnson, Buddy Hall and I, watched and bet on Cornbread Red playing John "Cornflakes" Hennigan (who also now plays on the World Poker Tour) Last Pocket, Back Pocket Nine ball. The stakes were two sets of 15k each, with all the side action you wanted. Billy, Buddy Hall and I, each bet $600 on Cornbread. Cornflakes apparently didn't know that Red had invented and mastered that particular game with Kenny Romberg Remus, back at The Rack in Detroit.
Red won the first set easily, and Hennigan's man was taking all bets on the second set at a small table he had set up. When we went to collect he asked us if we wanted to push our bet and bet the whole $1200 on the next set. Barely able to suppress a giggle, we all bet the wad. Cornflakes was a real high-roller, and the Philly smart boys said betting big money wouldn't bother Cornflakes at all. However, Billy's, Buddy's, and my take on it was a little different. Yeah, Cornflakes was used to betting big with people -- ordinary people-- but he hadn't bet giant money against somebody like the frightening, high-rolling creature called Cornbread Red. The three of us giggled, tee-heed and hand slapped all the way thru the set. Our confidence was soon rewarded when Red won the set, long-stroking, and whistling in a straight-back session ball into the super-tough, triple-shimmed pocket. Red's only complaint was that he couldn't dig up more than 30k to bet in the time Cornflakes allowed.
Beard
(Reprinted from 1pkt.org.)
One of the greatest nights I ever had in pool was at the One Pocket Legends tournament at South Philly Billiards in the 90s. Wade Crane, aka Billy Johnson, Buddy Hall and I, watched and bet on Cornbread Red playing John "Cornflakes" Hennigan (who also now plays on the World Poker Tour) Last Pocket, Back Pocket Nine ball. The stakes were two sets of 15k each, with all the side action you wanted. Billy, Buddy Hall and I, each bet $600 on Cornbread. Cornflakes apparently didn't know that Red had invented and mastered that particular game with Kenny Romberg Remus, back at The Rack in Detroit.
Red won the first set easily, and Hennigan's man was taking all bets on the second set at a small table he had set up. When we went to collect he asked us if we wanted to push our bet and bet the whole $1200 on the next set. Barely able to suppress a giggle, we all bet the wad. Cornflakes was a real high-roller, and the Philly smart boys said betting big money wouldn't bother Cornflakes at all. However, Billy's, Buddy's, and my take on it was a little different. Yeah, Cornflakes was used to betting big with people -- ordinary people-- but he hadn't bet giant money against somebody like the frightening, high-rolling creature called Cornbread Red. The three of us giggled, tee-heed and hand slapped all the way thru the set. Our confidence was soon rewarded when Red won the set, long-stroking, and whistling in a straight-back session ball into the super-tough, triple-shimmed pocket. Red's only complaint was that he couldn't dig up more than 30k to bet in the time Cornflakes allowed.
Beard
Remembering Billy
(Reprinted from 1pkt.org)
Originally Posted by stevelomako
I remember when he came back from that tournament Freddie.
He was so HOT he couldn't have time to bet more. He was talkin bout "dem stinkin rat dogs", he felt like he lost money in that game.
Red was already 62 or 63 then.
The more stories that come about Billy makes me realise how often he was in with Red and how good they got along, I can think of all kinds of things they were in together on.
I never felt comfortable calling him or introducing him as Wade, it felt like I was tricking somebody not telling them "this is BILLY JOHNSON".
It just sucks. RIP Billy.
Let me tell you all something Billy once told me regarding Red. It impacted me tremendously and I have never forgotten what he said. I don't remember exactly where we were when he said it, but I'm sure Red was in his, at least, middle 60s. A bunch of us were cutting up jackpots, and naturally Cornbread dominated many of our stories. Then Billy suddenly got dead serious and changed the whole course of the conversation when he said, "Well, we all better enjoy him (Red) while we can, while he is still here with us, because when he goes there ain't gonna be no one else like him ever coming along again."
Red wasn't even sick at that time, but the reality of him ever being out of our lives was traumatic to all of us. It was like we all got hit with a melancholy shock wave. Then Billy started lamenting about why we were never smart enough to have been recording Red all these years, preserving for posterity some of Red's classic moves and one-liners -- especially his cursing.
We were all made to feel that we had selfishly squandered our time with him.
I was deeply moved. But it was just one more example of the depth of character of the late, great Billy Johnson.
Beard
(Reprinted from 1pkt.org)
Originally Posted by stevelomako
I remember when he came back from that tournament Freddie.
He was so HOT he couldn't have time to bet more. He was talkin bout "dem stinkin rat dogs", he felt like he lost money in that game.
Red was already 62 or 63 then.
The more stories that come about Billy makes me realise how often he was in with Red and how good they got along, I can think of all kinds of things they were in together on.
I never felt comfortable calling him or introducing him as Wade, it felt like I was tricking somebody not telling them "this is BILLY JOHNSON".
It just sucks. RIP Billy.
Let me tell you all something Billy once told me regarding Red. It impacted me tremendously and I have never forgotten what he said. I don't remember exactly where we were when he said it, but I'm sure Red was in his, at least, middle 60s. A bunch of us were cutting up jackpots, and naturally Cornbread dominated many of our stories. Then Billy suddenly got dead serious and changed the whole course of the conversation when he said, "Well, we all better enjoy him (Red) while we can, while he is still here with us, because when he goes there ain't gonna be no one else like him ever coming along again."
Red wasn't even sick at that time, but the reality of him ever being out of our lives was traumatic to all of us. It was like we all got hit with a melancholy shock wave. Then Billy started lamenting about why we were never smart enough to have been recording Red all these years, preserving for posterity some of Red's classic moves and one-liners -- especially his cursing.
We were all made to feel that we had selfishly squandered our time with him.
I was deeply moved. But it was just one more example of the depth of character of the late, great Billy Johnson.
Beard